Funding

Funding

Tuition Fees

At present approved further and higher level courses are free to first-time students who satisfy certain nationality and residency requirements.

Student Contribution Fee

There is an annual student contribution fee (registration fee) payable at the beginning of each academic year in Higher Education Institutions. The student contribution fee for the 2014/15 academic year is €2,750 and will rise by €250 to a maximum of €3,000 by 2015. This fee will be paid on behalf of students who qualify under the maintenance grant scheme.

Maintenance/Student Grant

This is the main source of financial support towards the cost of living during a full-time further or higher education course. This is a means tested payment that takes into account all household income for the tax year prior to starting the course. The Student Grant Application process is centralised and administered by City of Dublin Education and Training Board. All applications will be made online through a single awarding authority, Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Further details on the online grant application process please click here.

Back to Education Allowance

The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) allows people in receipt of certain social welfare payments to retain the amount they are receiving whilst participating in approved full-time courses in further and higher education. For further details please contact your local Department of Social & Family Affairs or www.studentfinance.ie

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme

VTOS is available to eligible participants of certain further education courses. Eligible participants will receive a training allowance equivalent to the amount recieved on their social welfare payment. Payments are made by the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB and students come off the unemployment register and do not have to sign on again while on VTOS. Depending on your eligibility funding for meals and travel is also available. For further information on VTOS in Leitrim please click here.

Student Assistant Fund

The Student Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for full-time higher education students who are experiencing financial difficulties whilst attending college. For further details please contact the Access Office of the institution you are attending.

St. Vincent de Paul Education Fund

These are grants are available to people from disadvantaged backgrounds and provides help with costs such as materials, childcare, transport and registration fees. For further details contact your local St. Vincent de Paul office.

Second Chance Education Fund

This is a limited and discretionary fund available through Leitrim Development Company to assist those from low income or disadvantaged backgrounds to access education and training opportunities. Contact Paul Hamilton on 071 9641740 for more details on eligibilty criteria.